Waqf Act Amendment Draws Sharp Political Battlelines

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi defends the Waqf Act amendment amidst fierce opposition allegations, accusing them of misleading the community and tarnishing India's image. Opposition Members of Parliament, including Misa Bharti and Karti Chidambaram, criticize the bill's motives and demand it be referred to the Standing Committee.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched a scathing attack on opposition parties for opposing the Bill to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, claiming they aim to mislead the community and tarnish India's image. Joshi stated, "We are not targeting anyone. They want to create an atmosphere. Our minister will explain in detail when he introduces the bill." He further accused them of attempting to misguide some community members and emphasized India's status as one of the world's best democracies.

RJD MP Misa Bharti argued that the INDIA alliance parties and RJD would oppose the bill, stressing that the government is not addressing critical issues such as unemployment and inflation. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also labeled the government's motives as "sinister," stating, "The motives of the government are always sinister. We will be opposing this bill, and there has been no wider consultation with stakeholders. It should be referred to the Standing Committee before passing in the House."

TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay echoed the call for opposition unity, asserting, "This amendment bill should come through the Standing Committee. We will oppose this bill unitedly." Additionally, Kiren Rijiju is set to introduce The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes renaming the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995. It aims to clearly define "waqf" and ensure that Waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women.

(With inputs from agencies.)